Guidance In Preparing For An Uncertain Future
Life has many uncertainties. A time may come when you are unable to make crucial health care or financial decisions for yourself. While you cannot predict what will happen in life, you can take some control of your future through proper planning.
Our estate planning attorneys at Temmerman, Cilley, Kohlmann & Norcia, LLP., can assist you in preparing for the future for the benefit of both yourself and your loved ones. You may one day face an accident or illness that takes away your ability to speak for yourself or make sound decisions. We draft advance health care directives and powers of attorney that can help you in these tough situations. While you may never need to use these documents, having them in place can bring peace of mind in knowing that your wishes will be fulfilled and your loved ones will be relieved of having to make tough decisions on their own.
What Are Durable Powers Of Attorney?
A durable power of attorney for health care or financial matters is an estate planning instrument that allows you to designate an agent to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. With a durable power of attorney for health care, the agent is given the power to make decisions on any care, service or procedure that would maintain, diagnose or treat your physical or mental health condition. This includes the decision whether to begin, continue, discontinue or limit medical or health care treatment.
A financial power of attorney allows you to name an agent to conduct your financial affairs, should you become incapacitated. You can give an agent a broad range of financial powers and responsibilities, including the ability to:
- Deposit or withdraw funds from bank accounts
- Sign income tax returns
- Buy or sell assets
- Make investments
- Transfer assets to a trust
We find powers of attorney to be beneficial in many cases as they allow you to appoint a person of your own choosing to manage your affairs, rather than resorting to a conservatorship or guardianship in which you have little control and often involve substantial fees.
What Are Advance Health Care Directives?
An advance health care directive allows you to give an agent the power to make health care decisions for you. It allows you to leave instructions for health care providers and family members regarding your wishes concerning medical treatment. With this, you may specify preferences and instructions regarding a wide range of medical treatment options, including end-of-life treatment, life support, diagnostic testing, surgery, blood transfusions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, organ donation and more.
Our lawyers understand how difficult it is to contemplate your death or incapacity. We offer sensitive support to help clients analyze all their options and create an advance health care directive that reflects their wishes and provides the guidance their family members need.
Speak With An Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
We have considerable experience assisting clients with analysis and preparation of powers of attorney, advance health care directives and other estate planning documents as needed in California. Speak with one of our experienced attorneys today by contacting our San Jose or Danville offices. Get started by calling 408-780-1912 or submitting an inquiry online.